About

Where Innovation Happens

The US manufacturing industry is a cornerstone of the American economy and embodies the innovation and productivity that have allowed the United States to be the dominant leader in advanced manufacturing technologies since the early 20th century. A strong manufacturing base is vital for a balanced economy and critical to our nation’s energy security and defense. Advances in manufacturing technology are imperative to avoid further erosion of our manufacturing base and maintain a competitive edge in the global market.

Innovation drives economic growth. New, cutting-edge technologies with real-world applications can both revitalize existing manufacturing industries and support the development of new products in emerging ones. The development and commercial deployment of advanced manufacturing technologies remain essential to America’s long-term economic competitiveness. Manufacturing and materials research at Oak Ridge National Laboratory is focused on reducing the energy intensity of US industry, supporting development of new products, and strengthening our nation’s vitality. ORNL, through its ongoing collaborative relationships with more than 1,000 companies and distinction as the leading Department of Energy laboratory for R&D 100 Awards, has demonstrated the ability to work with US manufacturers to transition technologies that will drive manufacturing innovations in the coming decades.

Addressing the Challenges of Tomorrow

Manufacturing is the engine that drives prosperity, spurring job creation and investment across the economy. Innovation is critical to the future of US industry for reducing barriers and enabling affordable, rapid, adaptable, energy-efficient manufacturing. ORNL is one of the world’s most capable resources for transforming the next generation of scientific discovery into solutions for rebuilding and revitalizing America’s manufacturing industries. From concept to commercialization, ORNL’s world-leading facilities and expertise enable the accelerated development and deployment of innovative manufacturing and materials technologies to meet the commercial and defense needs of tomorrow. Extensive investments in science, computing, and process equipment in recent years have established ORNL as the nation’s premier research laboratory.

Oak Ridge’s aggressive commercialization program provides technology-based solutions to industry engaged in virtually every sector of the nation’s economy. Regardless of the activity—executing a license, conducting research and development work sponsored by others, or working side by side with industry or university researchers at user facilities—we are committed to creating win-win opportunities to strengthen the competitiveness of our nation and its research enterprise.